The True Meaning of Christmas

The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight."

Mark 1:3 (NKJV)

It is not without reason that God chose to send a prophet in Jesus' time to announce His coming. For while the prophets of old spoke of a child who was to be born, they were not yet ready to receive Him. God chose a close relative, Elizabeth, to bear the child who would become the prophet preceding Jesus and preparing the way for His ministry. When Mary visited Elizabeth, the presence of Jesus caused the baby in his mother's womb to leap for joy.

It can be said that, even while still in his mother's womb, John the Baptist had already received the call from the one he was to announce and was ready to fulfill his mission. The message that would emanate from his ministry was a message of repentance and eternal salvation. This message originated on the very day of Jesus' birth. Even today, we continue to celebrate this great and memorable day for all those who had lost hope. You and I are among those who walked in darkness and were lost. But God gave His only Son, who would change the course of history.

When you celebrate Christmas, what are you celebrating? Is it the festive atmosphere that the world offers us, or the starting point that will reconcile you with God? This is where many of us go wrong, focusing on the wrong aspect of Christmas. The world offers so many distractions that they cause us to ignore the true meaning of this season. The message of repentance was in John the Baptist's heart from the moment he was in his mother's womb. As he grew, he proclaimed it everywhere he went. So, when you reflect on what you should be celebrating, remember that Jesus came to reconcile with God all those who repent of their sins and turn to Him. This message is the true meaning of Christmas.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.